It is Marina Bay Street Circuit, Singapore, infamous for its demanding configuration and grueling night-time conditions. A second, intriguing practice session before the Singapore Grand Prix has just concluded. Lando Norris in the McLaren continues his form, finishing atop the timesheets, and world champion Max Verstappen goes through a pretty difficult evening to finish down in 15th.

Nor is it any surprise Norris, who is well down the drivers' championship standings on Verstappen, was exceptional throughout this session, his hot lap a fraction clear of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc securing him a prime slot for pole and win. But it was very sharp in the context of the other Top Guns vying for the top-of-the-bill slots.

The Italian showed his desire to lead with a solid run by Leclerc of Ferrari who finished the race in P2 behind Norris. Ferrari's Carlos Sainz took third, proving how razor-thin the margins are in this competition.

The evening, however, was not what Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team had envisioned. The reigning champion who's had multiple problems at the last few races seems to be unable to find the necessary balance and speed in his car. Verstappen's 15th place far removed from his usual self was put in question if Red Bull was capable of regaining its competitive edge.

Team-mate Sergio Perez of Mexico did little better, finishing eighth. The Mexican driver's disappointing performance only served to further exacerbate Red Bull's troubles and will provide a few restless nights for the event organizers with the possibility of a similar session tomorrow in the rain.

It would seem that except for Verstappen and Red Bull, the rest of the teams it will be a harder road. But Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo in AlpaTauri would be strong surprises to snag their fourth and sixth place finishes respectively. The performances boded so well for all those in the midfield and gave an added edge to the fight for points.

Mercedes is a team that should never be taken lightly when it comes to consistent pace. Not at their best though here in Singapore. George qualified seventh and Lewis 11th. Russell was involved in an incident late in practice which left him with a damaged front wing.

There is then looking to be some qualifying drama on Saturday for the Singapore Grand Prix. Norris, Leclerc, and others in the top positions would want to try and ensure the best possible starting position for the race. Verstappen and Red Bull would be putting in all efforts to turn things around to get out of the vicious performance rut. Pole and the win are assured to be an intensive battle because it's going to be tough on the Marina Bay circuit and unpredictable with night-time conditions.